Obituaries

Marie E. Poole, 73, of Frankford, Del., passed away on March 19, 2013.

She was born June 25, 1939, in Frankford to the late David and Radie Jarman Bethards. She was also preceded in death by three siblings, Robert Sturgis, Gary Bethards and Anita Brittingham. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Fredrick Poole of Frankford; two sons, Fredrick Poole Jr. and his wife, Toni, of Buffalo, N.Y., and Rodney Poole of Georgia; a daughter, Tonya Poole of Rochester, N.Y.; her brother-in-law, Sylvester Brittingham; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends.

A memorial service was scheduled for March 25, 2013, at the Antioch AME Church in Frankford, Del., with the Rev. James Foster officiating.

Rebecca A. “Becky” Hudson Prettyman, 77, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Prettyman was born March 28, 1935, in Millsboro, Del., to the late John Layton and Sally Elizabeth Short Hudson. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, John C. Hudson in 1990 and Preston L. Hudson in 2006.

She was a graduate of Millsboro High School and earned an associate’s degree from Delaware Technical Community College. Prettyman retired from the Indian River School District as an administrative secretary in 1991. She was a member of the Hickory Hill United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking and antiquing. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Poole is survived by her husband of 56 years, William H. “Bill” Prettyman; two daughters and their spouses, Mary Beth and Jack Burton, and Suzanne and Steve Timmons; one brother, Edgar Hudson and his spouse, Dale, all of Millsboro; a brother-in-law, Ralph Prettyman and his wife, Betty, of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; two grandchildren, Stephanie Timmons and Will Burton; two step-grandchildren, Ryan Timmons and Jessica Short; three step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends across the area.

A funeral service was scheduled for March 23, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home, with interment at Millsboro Cemetery, both in Millsboro, Del. The Revs. Robert Hudson and Thomas Starnes were to officiate. The family offered its special thanks to the staff of Gull House in Rehoboth and also Delaware Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Hill United Methodist Church, c/o Roy Rogers; 28209 Walt Carmean Ln.; Millsboro, DE 19966, or to The Gull House; 38149 Terrace Rd.; Rehoboth, DE 19971, or to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Mary Audrey Willett Sebastian, 80, a longtime resident of Frankford, Del., passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at home.

Sebastian was born June 2, 1932, to William and Clara Willett of Haverstraw, N.Y. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo and puzzles with her family and friends. She spent her mornings and evenings in prayer. Sebastian loved her garden, her musical clocks and Sunday Communion. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity and her cookery.

Sebastian was preceded in death by her husband, John, in October 2002. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Connolly and Claire Gannon; one son, William Willett Sebastian; sons-in-law Philip and Brian; and several grandchildren, Billy, Jean, Sean, Brian, Stephen and Alison; many nieces and nephews; her sisters, Rita Raywid and Joan McBride; and her caregivers, Alice, Cinda, Marge and Mary. Sebastian was in the care of Delaware Hospice her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial donations to Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or to St. Ann’s Catholic Church; 691 Garfield Rd.; Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Sebastian was to be buried with her husband, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Joshua Everett Stevens, 80, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del.

Stevens attended Selbyville School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in March of 1950. After completing the Airborne Battalion Infantry, he served with the 187th Regimental Combat in Korea. In May of 1951, Stevens was shot. He recovered at the Naval Air Force Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. He returned to Fort Meade, Md., where he received an Honorable Discharge, along with a Purple Heart, on June 17, 1952.

In 1953, Stevens started working for Roland Scott Inc., in Selbyville, Del., working full time for 51 years, while remaining part-time until the store’s closure. Stevens was a member of the Delaware Lodge #37, a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of NUR Temple, Selbyville Elks Lodge and the American Legion of Dagsboro.

He joined the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company in 1953. As a lifetime member, he served in many offices, received many awards, was recognized in the Delaware Fire Fighters Hall of Fame and was an active with the fire police until his death. He was the oldest active member of the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company.

Stevens was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Melissa Stevens; a sister, Margaret Hudson; and a nephew, Bill Hudson. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marguerite Marvel Stevens; son, Donald E. Stevens and his wife, Lorie C. Stevens, and their son, Kyle Stevens; a daughter, Beverly S. Rickwood and her husband, George A. Rickwood III, and their sons Chris and Brandon Rickwood, all of Dagsboro; and nieces Barbara Hudson and her husband, Clarence, of Bishopville, Md., and Naomi Hudson of Selbyville.

A funeral service was scheduled for March 28, 2013, at Melson Funeral Services in Frankford, Del., with interment at Dagsboro Redmens Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Building Fund of the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company; P.O. Box 128; Dagsboro, DE 19939. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Margaret “Marge” H. Ball, 84, of Baltimore, Md., passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Gilchrist Hospice Center in Towson, Md. Ball was born Dec. 16, 1928, on Hamilton Avenue in Baltimore, daughter of the late Talbott and Sara (Findler) Mann.

Ball lived a life dedicated to her sons, their families and her 5-year-old pug Fenwick. She loved having lunch out with her friends, texting her grandchildren and reading her Kindle. After leaving Baker Watts in 1987, Ball started her business, Service with a Smile, and was delighted to drive elders to doctors, grocery stores and hair salons. Later in life, she opened her home to boarders from Towson University, and as one-time boarder Palani Annamalai of Madras, India, wrote, “Marge treated all her boarders with the same compassion and warmth, which made 2512 a home for all.”

In addition to her parents, Ball was also preceded in death by her son Steven Gene Ball and her sister and best friend, Helen Bafford. Ball is survived by her two sons and their wives, Bob and Peggie Ball of West Fenwick, Del., and David and Debi Ball of Baltimore; three grandchildren, Steve Ball and his wife, Maureen, of West Fenwick, and Ashley Ball and Colby Ball of Baltimore; and three great-grandchildren, Ava and Lila Ball of West Fenwick and Kennleigh Parrott of Baltimore; nieces, nephews and many friends, especially Renee Abbey. Although divorced, she and Bob Ball Sr. were frequent lunch and dinner companions.

A memorial service will be held in Baltimore, Md., on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 4301 Raspe Avenue, Baltimore, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Center; 555 W. Towsontown Blvd.; Towson, MD 21204.

Marjorie Louise Cook, 71, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del.

Cook was born in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late Charles William and Dorothy Louise (Lomax) Hutchins. She had been a bartender for many years.

Cook was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Cook, and her sons, Richard Powers and Louis Powers.

Services were to be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.

Joseph A. “Captain Joe” Corcoran, 65, of Milton, Del., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Milford Center, with his loving wife by his side. He was born Aug. 5, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Bean) Corcoran.

Corcoran started an early career working for the SSA office of the federal government. In his free time, he would also work as a charter boat captain. Following his retirement and after moving to the beach, he became a fulltime charter boat captain in Lewes on his boat the Summer Place. He was known around the docks as “Captain Joe” and could often be heard on talk-radio with radio stations WGMD, Froggy and Eagle. When he could find time, Corcoran worked as a DJ for many local restaurants, including the Lighthouse in Lewes, Del.

He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and loved to watch and follow all types of sports, especially fishing. He loved animals and spending time with his three Labradors, Eli, Bailey and Casey. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality and bright smile that could fill a room. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Corcoran is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Linda Corcoran of Milton; stepdaughter, Cary Knight and her husband, Matt, of Camden, Del.; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Miller of Dover; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Belinda and Jim Bahder of Milford, Del., and Janet Donovan and Mitchell of Ellicott City, Md.; three grandchildren, Luke and Blake Knight and Aydrya Webb; and nieces and nephews Brian Bahder and his wife, Luz, Jaime Bahder, Michelle Bahder, Mitchell Donovan and Preston Donovan.

Memorial services were scheduled for March 19, 2013, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church; 129 W. 4th Street; Lewes, DE 19958, or to SPCA; 22918 DuPont Blvd.; Georgetown, DE 19947. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Nellie Daisey, 95, passed away peacefully at Seasons Hospice in Christiana Hospital on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. After a long and fulfilling life, she was prepared to join her loved-ones in Heaven. Born in Harrington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Nettie Turner.

A stay at-home-mother when her children were young, she later worked for Cappeau’s Drugstore. She was a member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Daisey was preceded in death by her husband of more than 40 years, James; a daughter, Frances of Vernal, Utah; granddaughter, Dana of Vernal, Utah; sisters Irene of Lewes, Del., Bette of Columbia, Md., and Doris of Wilmington, Del. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Norton of Newark, Del., and Betty Jean Daisey-Moses her husband, Francis, of Wilmington; grandchildren Joanna Crouch and her husband, Dale, of North East, Md., Bill Bedell and his wife, Donna, of West Valley City, Utah, and Frank and Bruce Atwood of Vernal, Utah; nephews, H. Edward Maull and his wife, Peggy, of Lewes, and their daughters, and William Warren of Bear; nieces Judy Warren of Wilmington and her son, and Sharon Hoeflinger and her husband, David, of Bear and their daughter and sons.

Funeral services and internment were to be private. Arrangements were being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lewes, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newark United Methodist Church; 69 East Main St.; Newark, DE 19711.

Roscoe L. Davenport, 82, of Frankford, Del., passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del.

He was born in Cambridge, Md., son of the late Elwood and Mary (Lewis) Davenport. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Davenport was a shift engineer at Delmarva Power, having retired after 41 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company.

In addition to his parents, Davenport was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Davenport, in 2005. He is survived by his son, Russell, and a niece, Mary Ann Hill.

A funeral service was scheduled for March 18, 2013, at Melson Funeral Services in Frankford, Del., with interment at Dagsboro Redmens Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Tony Lee Davis, 62, of Georgetown, Del., passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013. He succumbed to lung cancer after a valiant fight.

Davis was born Aug. 14, 1950, son of Mary Francis Davis and the late Walter Davis Sr. He attended Millsboro Elementary School and the former William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown.

Davis will be remembered as a very intelligent, good and kind person. Although he never married, he fathered one son, Tony Walston, and he loved him dearly. He mastered the game of checkers at a very young age, so there was never an opponent he did not beat, young or old. He welcomed all opponents and decided to broaden his horizon to a more difficult challenge, chess, which became his favorite pastime.

He would sit for hours with his buddy, Truman Mason, studying the game and laying out his strategies. At one point, he joined a community chess challenge. Davis was known as an avid reader who could master any task he put his mind to. He loved life and lived each day with expectancy.

Davis left to cherish his memory his mother, Mary F. Davis of Georgetown; a son, Tony Walston of Bridgeville, Del.; three grandchildren; four sisters, Marvella Davis of Bridgeville, Del., Sheila Boone and her husband, Joseph, of Greenville, N.C., Louise Jones and her husband, Johnny, of Bridgeville and Mona Showell and her husband, Kover, of Seaford, Del.; two brothers, George Davis and his wife, Angie, of Wilmington, Del., and Walter Davis Jr. of Georgetown; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and friends.

A viewing was scheduled for March 16, 2013, at Watson Funeral Home, with interment at St. John 2nd Baptist Church Cemetery, both in Millsboro, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Dennis Dale Gray, 60, of Georgetown, Del., passed away Monday, March 11, 2013, in the loving care of his family and the caregivers of Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del. Born July 18, 1952, in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Paul and Elizabeth Alice Berger Gray.

Gray was a beloved figure in his family and a widower, having been preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rachel Whaley Gray, in 2004. He was a carpenter, working in construction with the John L. Briggs Company. He loved entertaining and dancing, so he was “internationally known on the dance floor” — at least according to him, as he’d laugh and be quick to tell everyone. His constant riding companion was Cow-Cow, a beloved canine friend.

Gray was preceded in death by four siblings, Sandra Finnerty, Richard Gray, David Gray and Robert “Hobbie” Gray. Gray is survived by two sisters and their husbands, Elizabeth and Jerry Grant of Philadelphia, Pa., and Kathy and Bob Deacon of New Jersey; a brother, Donald Gray Sr. of Bishopville, Md.; nephews Donald Gray Jr., Eugene Jarvis, Chris Jarvis, Dale Gray, Christopher Davis, Brian Davis, Tracy Flinn, Timothy Lindmeier and Thomas Finnerty; and many cousins, extended family members, friends and his special friends, Donald and Linda Mullen of Millsboro, Del.

Interment was scheduled for March 15, 2013, at Dagsboro Redmens Memorial Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.

Frances M. Kellerman, 83, of Bethany Beach, Del., and formerly of Lanham, Md., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

She was born April 1, 1929, in Mildred, Pa., daughter of the late Francesco and Annunziata Manchisi. Kellerman retired as an office manager with Lucent Technologies (formerly Western Electric Company) after 37 years of service. She was also employed by Sea Crest Gift & Gallery in Bethany Beach for nearly 15 years.

Kellerman was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Gutosky of Lopez, Pa. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, George M. Kellerman; two sisters, Thomasina Setzer of Silver Spring, Md., and Rosie Decker of Dushore, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Joan Hansen of Laurel, Md.; numerous nieces and nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was to be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Sarah L. Liccardi, 74, of Milton, Del., passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del. She was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Mahoning, Pa., daughter of the late Earl and Genevieve (Britt) Fetterman.

Liccardi resided with her husband of 33 years, Carmine, in Middlesex, N.J. After working with Acme Markets for 25 years, she retired to the beach in 2005. She was an active member of Henlopen Senior Center and St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewes. She regularly attended Mass every Saturday at 4 p.m.

Liccardi loved exploring and traveling to different places, especially to Aruba. She was an avid beachgoer who also enjoyed working with ceramics, crafting and having fun with family and friends. Liccardi was remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt whose love will be missed by so many.

Liccardi was preceded in death by her son, Duane Volanski, in 1975. In addition to her husband, Liccardi is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Volanoski of Roosevelt, N.J.; her brother, Terrance Fetterman and his wife, Elaine, of Bangor, Pa.; her granddaughter, Patricia Carman of Altoona, Pa.; two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Kenneth Westover of Altoona, Pa.; a nephew, Jeff Fetterman and his wife, Janilyn, of Selbyville, Del.; two nieces and their husbands, Lisa and Dan Kirschner of Stroudsburg, Pa., and Adine and John Cumberland of Fallston, Md.; and her beloved pet Morkie, Lacie Lou.

A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for March 20, 2013, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, with arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, both in Lewes, Del. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association; 200 Continental Dr., Suite 101; Newark, DE 19713, or to the American Lung Association; 1021 Gilpin Ave., Suite 202; Wilmington, DE 19806. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

John Ronald “Jack” Lopez, 71, of Lewes, Del., formerly of New Freedom, Pa., passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.

Lopez was born June 18, 1941, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Alvin and Ellie (Young) Lopez. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force. He worked as a technician with the Xerox Corporation in Baltimore, with more than 20 years of service, retiring in 1994. Lopez was also a member of American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro, Del.

Lopez is survived by his two sons, Tim Lopez and his wife, Kelly, of York, Pa., and David Lopez and his wife, Trish, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; his companion of 20 years, Etta Thornton of Lewes; two grandsons, Evan and Nicholas Lopez of York, Pa.; three brothers, Ross, Jimmy and Alan Lopez; and four sisters, Lynn Surratt, Betty Trommer, Jean Giprich and Margaret Lopez.

A funeral service was scheduled for March 21, 2013, at Melson Funeral Services, with interment with military honors at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, both in Millsboro, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Arlene E. Marvel, 78, of Dagsboro, Del., formerly of Lebanon, Pa., passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2013, with her loving family by her side.

She was born Aug. 7, 1934, in Lebanon, daughter of the late Paul and Elizabeth (Books) Snyder. Marvel retired from the Stockley Center as a certified resident aide after 14 years of service. She then worked part-time as a home health aide until her retirement three years ago. She was a former member of the Lebanon Bible Fellowship Church and was currently attending the Peninsula Community Church in Selbyville, Del.

Marvel was a lifetime certified Delaware Master Gardener, a member of the Survivors & Friends Relay For Life Team for nine years and had performed as Minnie the Clown. Marvel was an avid gardener and well known for her canning abilities, but her true passion was the love she bestowed upon her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Marvel was also preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Kenneth Snyder. She is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Raymond E. “Gene” Marvel; four children, Deborah E. Elliott and her husband, Barry, of Lebanon, Pa., Donna M. Schaeffer and her husband, Donald, of Pine Grove, Pa., David R. Smith and his wife, Yarina, of Mounds View, Minn., and Sheila A. and her husband, N. Philip, of Emmaus, Pa.; two stepchildren, Kevin E. Marvel of Elkton, Md., and Denise A. Hudson and her husband, Dean, of Harbeson, Del.; a sister, Brenda L. Sumner and her husband, Edward, of Sedalia, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at Peninsula Community Church, 28574 Cypress Road, Selbyville, Del., where friends and family may call after 9 a.m. Interment was to follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del.

Flowers are welcomed, or memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society Survivors & Friends Team for Relay for Life c/o Donna Schaeffer; 1162 Suedberg Rd.; Pine Grove, PA 17963, or Peninsula Community Church; 28574 Cypress Rd.; Selbyville, DE 19975, or to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Isabel S. Shearman, 80, of Lewes, Del., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Nov. 30, 1932, in Irvington, N.Y., daughter of the late W. Edward Sweetman and Gertrude Duff Sweetman.

Shearman grew up in Irvington-on-Hudson, where she graduated from Irvington High School. She continued to the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J., graduating in 1954, and then to the Bronx VA ADA Internship program. She was a parishioner of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church.

In addition to her parents, Shearman was preceded in death by her three brothers, William, Richard and John Sweetman. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Henry S. Shearman; her four children, Henry S. Shearman Jr. of Allentown, Pa., Margaret Shearman of White Plains, N.Y., Celia Shearman of Lewes, and David Shearman and his wife, Kari Shearman, of Frankford, Del.; four grandchildren, Skyler, Riley, Benjamin and Reese, all of Frankford; and one brother, David Sweetman of West Boylston, Mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 20, 2013, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewes, Del., with internment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. Arrangements were by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Casa San Francisco; P.O. Box 38; 127 Broad St.; Milton, DE 19968. Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy M. Stanton, 79, of Selbyville, Del., and formerly of Upper Marlboro, Md., passed away at home Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Richard T. and Margaret E. (Chaney) Lee.

Stanton was a homemaker and a member of the Ocean City, Md., Elks Club.

She is survived by a son, Daniel Sillers of Georgetown, Del.; two daughters, Margaret Jacobsen of Ruckersville, Va., and Tracy Hane of Selbyville; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and her best friend, Danny Stephens of Selbyville. Stanton was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Stanton, in 2006 and two brothers, George Lee and Thomas “Jr.” Lee.

A chapel service was scheduled for March 15, 2013, at Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, Del., with the Rev. Elizabeth Keaton officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter; 399 Market St., Suite 102; Philadelphia, PA 19106. Condolences may be sent online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.net.

Ronald David Wheeler Jr., 53, of Luverne, Minn., formerly of Ocean View, Del., passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013, at his home in Minnesota.

Wheeler was born Aug. 17, 1959, in Baltimore, Md., son of Ronald David Wheeler Sr., and Judith (Baker) Wheeler. He worked for Young Love Construction LLC for six years, building silos throughout the Midwest. He enjoyed traveling throughout the Midwest, listening to an extensive variety of music and long walks through the Blue Mound National Park.

Wheeler was preceded in death by his father, Ronald David Wheeler Sr., on July 14, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Judith V. Wheeler of Frankford, Del.; his loving companion of 16 years, Stacy Tripi of Buffalo, N.Y.; two daughters, Rhiannon Wheeler of Beaufort, S.C., and Sarah Daise, and her husband, Kiery, of Savannah, Ga.; two sisters and their husbands, Lisa and Theodore Parmly of Seaford, Del., and Christine and Mark Warrington of Roxana, Del.; three grandchildren, Alayjah, Shayla and Keirah Daise of Savannah, Ga.; a niece, Kelly Warrington of Roxana; and a nephew, Jordan Parmly of Seaford.

A memorial service was scheduled for March 19, 2013, at Melson Funeral Services, Ocean View, Del., with private interment. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Neil P. Stong, 74, a 40-year resident of West Chester, Pa., passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester, with his beagle Cupcake by his side.

Stong was born in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Joseph H. and Sarah (Bettcher) Stong. He attended Wetherill School, Smedley Jr. High School and PMC Prep School and graduated from PMC College, now Widener University, with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Stong worked for the Navy for 10 years, designing catapults for aircraft carriers, before joining the family business fulltime in 1970. Stong brought his expertise in fire protection systems and, with his two brothers, expanded Joseph Stong Inc., based in Chester, Pa., to become a major mechanical contracting and fire-protection business in the tri-state area. Stong became president of Joseph Stong Inc. in 1994 and remained in that position until his death.

Stong was a member of Associated Builders and Contractors for more than 30 years, serving as president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter. He obtained a NICET Level IV certification from the National Society of Professional Engineers. He was also a member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association, the National Fire Sprinkler Association and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Stong was a tireless and vocal advocate for small business, often lobbying in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., for free enterprise and right-to-work legislation. As an employer, Stong was passionate about workplace safety and was innovative in creating programs, policies and procedures to keep employees and customers safe on the job.

Stong served 22 years of active reserve duty with the Army, retiring as a major. Stong was known as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was passionate about golf, being a member of Hershey’s Mill Golf Club in West Chester and Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Del. He loved his home at Sea Colony and everything about Bethany Beach, Del., and Ocean View. It was where he always wanted to be.

Stong was preceded in death by his brother Joseph W. Stong, and his wife, Shirley. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Florence A. (Campbell) Stong; children Susan S. Callahan of Berwyn, Pa. and her husband, Matt, Karen M. Murray of Ocean View and her husband, Craig, Neil P. Stong Jr. of Millsboro, Del., and his wife, Tammy, and Steven J. Stong of Bear, Del., and his wife, Monica; a brother, Eric C. Stong of Worton, Md., and his wife, Connie; a sister, Louise S. Gliem of Media, Pa., and her husband, Dennis; and grandchildren Mattock and Harrison Callahan, Zachary and Ben Fabryka, and Taylor, Max and Kaitlin Stong.

A funeral service was scheduled for March 14, 2013, at Carr Funeral Home in Wallingford, Pa., with interment to be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to Advent Lutheran Church; 1601 Green Ln.; West Chester, PA 19382, or to Stonybank Community Church; 35 Stoneybank Rd.; Glen Mills, PA 19342. Condolences may be sent online at www.carrfuneralhome.net.

Verdie B. West, 96, of Frankford, Del., passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro, Del.

West was born Feb. 27, 1917, in Dagsboro, Del., daughter of the late Raymond Banks Sr. and Emma (Tyre) Banks. Verdie graduated from Lord Baltimore High School in 1935, received her associates degree from Peirce Junior Business College and attended the University of Delaware. She retired from Sussex Vocational Technical School as an administrative secretary in 1982 and was previously a bookkeeper for Townsends Inc., and a bookkeeper and teller for the Baltimore Trust Company. West was a member of St. George’s United Methodist Church, served as past secretary of the Republican Executive Committee and was past president of the Sussex County Board of Elections. Verdie enjoyed antiques and oil painting.

In addition to her parents, West was also preceded in death by her husband, William C. West, in 1955; a son, William C. West Jr., in 1998; two brothers, Ezekiel E. Banks in 1974 and Raymond L. Banks Jr. in 2005; two sisters, Pearl Robinson in 2007 and Linda Showell in 2010; and her close companion for many years, Ralson Pettyjohn. She is survived by her daughter, Emily Hocker and her husband, Gerald; five grandchildren and their spouses, Shelley Pszczola and Alex, Gerald Hocker Jr. and Carey, Melissa Willey and Bobby, Beth Ann Cahall and Rick, and Gregory Hocker and Mary Ellen; nine great-grandchildren, Alex IV, Alexis, Aiden, Maryn, Mitchell, Bailey, Colby, Mason and Greydon; and a sister, Margaret West. She is also survived by her husband’s sisters, Grace Jackson and Allena Wilson, whom she helped raise, and sisters-in-law Veronica Banks, Mary Banks and Doris West.

A funeral service was scheduled for March 8, 2013, at St. George’s United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Del., with interment in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to St. George’s United Methodist Church; 34281 Omar Rd.; Frankford, DE 19945. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.